Crystal Meth Recovery
Is Crystal Meth Recovery Possible?
One of the hardest addictions to treat is crystal meth dependence. Family and friends of those addicted to the substance often give up on the idea of Crystal Meth Recovery, but it is possible. The chances of treating the addiction completely are greater when the problem is spotted during its early stages. When attempts at Crystal Meth Recovery face any challenges, the patients are typically in the severe phases of their addiction. If you think you know someone using crystal meth, read below for the addiction symptoms you should watch out for.
Crystal meth is the crystallized form of the drug methamphetamine, but the crystallized form is not a legal drug. This is a street drug that is dealt underground because of its fast weight loss properties and ability to trigger a "high" or a false sense of euphoria for 4 to 12 hours. Based on statistics, most of the users of crystal meth or "speed" are women. The drug is cheap, and it offers false hopes of permanent weight loss when the drug actually causes sleeplessness, diarrhea and a severe loss of appetite.
The weight loss properties diminish after about 6 weeks of usage, and the users eventually gain the weight back. By that time, the individual is already hooked on the substance and may experience a strong craving for it. Some people also use crystal meth to either heighten their physical endurance or their alertness. This is why athletes and even high school students often become addicts. All of the seemingly good effects are short-lived, and only the negative effects of meth usage stay in the body for years.
Among the negative side effects of meth addiction include permanent brain damage, long term psychosis, a "crawling" sensation on the skin which leads users to scratch themselves furiously, hallucinations, agitation, heart ailments and during their most severe moments, violent spells. A pregnant woman using meth can pass the effects on to the child she's carrying (through the placenta), or the child she's breastfeeding. Long term use of meth will also cause dryness of the mouth and the deterioration of the teeth and gums. These are all very serious side effects, so if you know of anyone using meth, you should call for help immediately.
Successful Crystal Meth Recovery is possible if the addiction is reported early. The substance abuse becomes more difficult to overcome when left untreated. Many candidates for Crystal Meth Recovery programs are strongly triggered by their environment to use the substance. This is why in-patient programs are necessary for this type of addiction.
The factors that can hinder Crystal Meth Recovery include peer pressure, stress from personal relationships and even the sheer abundance of crystal meth that is being sold in the neighborhood. During the initial stages of Crystal Meth Recovery, the individual will go through detoxification. This should be done with the assistance of medical professionals because the withdrawal symptoms may be severe.
Crystal Meth Recovery doesn't stop at detox. The patient will be counseled both privately and in groups. The support of family and friends is necessary for the rehabilitation to be successful.
Choosing a Facility
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Facility for Crystal Meth Recovery
If this is your first time seeking crystal meth recovery for yourself or a loved one, it would be helpful to know which questions to ask when searching for possible programs. RecoveryNowTV.com will guide you in making the most appropriate decision based on your individual needs.
When researching crystal meth recovery programs, consider the questions below to help guide you to making the most appropriate decision for treatment:
- Will the facility work with your health insurance company? If you have health insurance, please click here or scroll to the bottom of the page to access the complete Insurance Guidance Information page.
- Where is the facility located? Oftentimes facilities will urge you to travel out of your area to receive treatment. Consider the list of pros and cons below for traveling out of the area for treatment.
Treatment out of the area-
- PRO- Getting out of the area for crystal meth recovery will help an alcoholic or addict to focus on themselves rather than their familiar surroundings.
- PRO- Going out of the area for crystal meth recovery creates a mindset where a client is taking a journey for their recovery.
- PRO- If the going gets tough in treatment, a distance between the home and the treatment facility might affect a person's decision to not give up and to stay in treatment.
- CON- Going to a crystal meth recovery program out of the area puts distance between you and your loved ones. Most treatment programs offer a family component and a long distance could make it difficult for supportive family and friends to participate in the treatment program.
- CON- Going to a crystal meth recovery program out of the area might make it difficult to return to the home environment. If you choose to go out of the area for treatment, it is crucial to make sure that the treatment facility has a discharge planning process which includes assistance in finding outpatient and Twelve Step Support systems for when you return home.
- What governing body is the treatment facility licensed through? All crystal meth recovery programs providing therapeutic services and treatment planning, must be licensed by a State governing body. If one of the facilities that you are considering is NOT part of the RecoveryNowTV network, then you will need to make sure that the facility is licensed through the state.
- Is the facility accredited? If so, what is the accreditation agency governing the facility? Accreditation is a true sign of a quality and safety assurance plan for a facility. While accreditation is not mandatory for a facility, it does provide a higher level of standards for a facility to adhere to. The two major accrediting bodies are The Joint Commission (JCAHO) and Commission on Accreditation of Crystal meth recovery Facilities (CARF). Both accrediting organizations ensure that the facility actively participates in rigorous quality and safety improvement protocols.
- What does a typical day entail? Ask the crystal meth recovery facility go through the daily schedule and feel free to ask questions of each item on the schedule. This will give you an understanding of all of the services offered. This will allow you to take full advantage of the treatment protocols being offered.
- What is the price of the treatment? Are there additional costs over and above the stated cost? Is there a daily rate? Is there an early termination policy?
- Is there an extended care program? When searching for a crystal meth recovery facility, if time and your schedule permits, it is recommended that you enter an extended care program or a structured sober living environment. This will ensure that the re-entry back into daily living is a safe transition. Many programs offer a step-down or sober living program which includes mandatory Twelve Step participation, curfews, and drug testing.
- Is there a program in place for relapse? It is important to know if the crystal meth recovery program will support you during a relapse. Many programs have relapse prevention or a refresher course in case of a relapse. Although many people do not want to consider readmitting to a treatment facility, it is important to know that your treatment program will support you if you have a relapse.
